By Bill Molloy (@Bill_Molloy94)

A dramatic finish at JL Murphy Reserve saw South Melbourne record a stunning comeback win over Port Melbourne on Friday night.

Down 2-1 with 10 minutes remaining, a late brace to super sub Leigh Minopoulos saw the visitors emerge 3-2 winners and maintain their perfect start to the NPL season.

South Melbourne created all of the chances early and it took it just 10 minutes to find the back of the net via an own goal to Chris Grossman, who was the unfortunate defender on the end of a low Brad Norton cross from the left.

The opening period was played on South Melbourne’s terms as it controlled play in the midfield and looked to create more chances on goal.

Port Melbourne gained some momentum towards the tail end of the first half and found an equaliser in the closing stages. A positive cross deep from the right side was hit in towards the back post and Kevin Braniff got down low for the header across Jason Saldaris’ goal.

Both teams came out into the second half with plenty of energy early and 10 minutes in, Kamal Ibrahim snuck past the South Melbourne defence and slotted the ball cooly into the back of the net.

As the game drew to a close, South Melbourne drew back the lead in extraordinary fashion, with substitute Leigh Minopoulos scoring both goals in three minutes.

His first was a fanciful effort that took a deflection before just squeezing under the crossbar, while his second came from a run through the middle before burying the ball into the net for the ultimate winner in a dramatic encounter.

Despite being disappointed with the result, Port Melbourne coach Eric Vassiliadis remained positive about his team’s performance.

“I’m clearly disappointed, but more so for the players because they need to be really proud of their first 70-80 minutes but we basically ran out of legs,” Vassiliadis said.

Vassiliadis also spoke highly of Kamal Ibrahim after his standout performance.

“It’s not a surprise to us. Kamal with two or three other boys...are going to be game-changers,” he said.

South Melbourne coach Chris Taylor was pleased with the result but said there was plenty of room for improvement.

“Getting the three points is the main thing...we were in control when we scored the goal, then we let them back in the game,” Taylor said.

Taylor spoke more positively about Leigh Minopoulos after his crucial brace.

“He’s settled in really well since coming to the club. He’s had a good impact in most of the games he played in pre-season...there’s pressure now for spots and that’s the good thing,” he said.

South Melbourne will be looking for its third win from as many games when it travels to Green Gully in Round 3, while Port Melbourne will again host a Friday night match, this time against the undefeated Oakleigh Cannons.

MATCH DETAILS:

Port Melbourne 2 (Kevin Braniff 38’, Kamal Ibrahim 55’) lost to South Melbourne 3 (Chris Grossman 13’ OG, Leigh Minopoulos 80’ 83’) (HT: 2-1)

Port Melbourne: 21. Alex Connell (GK) 4. John Lazaridis (2. Andrew Viola 81’) 7. Amadu Koroma 6. Chris Grossman 3. James Riccobene 5. Nick Tzoulis 14. Kamal Ibrahim 27. Andrew Milicevic 9. Kevin Braniff 10. Luka Prelevic (12. Konstantinos Stoumpos 70’) 18. Joshua Kweifio-Okai (11. Nicholas Krousouratis 64’)

Unused Subs: 1. Adam Hrehoresin (GK) 15. Stefan Nigro

Yellow Cards: 5. Nick Tsoulis (43’) 14. Kamal Ibrahim (71’)

Red Cards: Nil

South Melbourne: 1. Jason Saldaris (GK) 2. Tim Mela 4. Michael Eagar 6. Dimi Tsiaras (14. James Musa 74’) 7. Nicholas Epifano (15. Kobbie Boahene 64’) 8. Matthew Theodore (27. Leigh Minopoulos 64’) 9. Milos Lujic 10. Tyson Holmes 11. Brad Norton 12. Iqbal Jawadi 17. Jamie Reed

Unused Subs: 3. Andrew Mullett, 21. Chris Maynarf (GK)

Yellow Cards: Nil

Red Cards: Nil

Pictured: South Melbourne players celebrate Leigh Minopoulos's late winner (image credit: Jason Heidrich Photography)